France: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About France

France is a large country in western Europe with coasts on the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Its landscapes range from the snowy Alps to sunny beaches and rolling farmland. It is known for food, fashion, art and famous landmarks.

About Paris

Paris sits on the River Seine in northern France. Nicknamed the City of Light, it is famous for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, art and food.

Fun facts about France

1. The Eiffel Tower was finished in 1889 and was the tallest structure in the world for 41 years.
2. Louis Braille, a French teacher, created the braille reading system for blind people when he was a teenager.
3. Cave paintings of horses, deer and bulls at Lascaux in southwestern France were made about 17,000 years ago.
4. The Tour de France, a famous three-week bicycle race, has been held since 1903.
5. French Guiana, in South America, is part of France, so France shares a border with Brazil.
6. The Louvre in Paris is home to Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, the Mona Lisa.